TM Bacto balance higher than recommended dosing

[danlechem]

Hi all. I've read a few references to reefers increasing the recommended dose of bacto balance as TM's guidance and recommended dose seems to be very conservative.

I'm not concerned about bottoming out my nutrients they're generally at the higher end but wondered if it's worth experimenting with ramping up the dosage.

Anybody tried gradually doubling the recommended dose and if so did you notice and positive or negative changes in nutrient levels, algae, coral health......? Thanks

 

[eggie]

How high are your Nutrients. Elimi NP is double the strength of NP Bacto balance.
Its for when nutrients are higher then 0.1 phosphate, then you could change to NP Bacto Balance

 

[danlechem]

Yes I've considered trying eliminp to get things within recommended ranges but I'm not really bothered about my higher nutrients - no. 3 20 and po4 .2. I don't have nuisance algae, SPS grow and look ok although I don't see a lot of polyp extension. I might be trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist I just wondered if anyone had an experience with higher dosing bb wether that be reduced nutrients or anything else.

 

[eggie]

Thats not to high Ive been there myself and actually my nutrients got lower using NP bacto Balance 5-6 drops daily last time I test they were at 6 No3 and 0.12 phosphate. Polyp extension happens when corals are happy and feed. Having stable parameters and good flow is key. How old is the tank ?

 

[danlechem]

Tank is around 9 months - I know tm advise to increase dosage for older tanks. I've had a bit of a play around with my power heads this week actually - I've got 3 in a 2ft cube trying to ramp it up without annoying my Goni too much. Parameters are generally stable I've got kalk and afr dosing nailed down as well as 3 litre auto water change each day.

I've attached a pic I've just taken, needs a clean and tidy up around the front but everything grown from frags apart from the Duncan which I'll move on soon as it's growing dozens of new heads.

 

[eggie]

Coral placements gets difficult when you have a mix reef. Getting the right flow to every coral is hard. I use to have 2 Nero pumps and couldn’t get the right flow so I got myself a Jebao crossflow (maxspect type). That thing is awesome.
You should try lowering the goni and the candy cane in the back as they need less flow and less light and leave the top for the sps. And play with flow until there happy